Yes, Pine Sol does kill mold! It kills and removes mold from a variety of surface areas. It’s also perfect for removing stubborn dirt and stains.
Topics Covered
- What is Pine Sol?
- Is Pine Sol safe to use?
- What is Pine Sol used for?
- How to clean with Pine Sol
- What is in Pine Sol?
- Conclusion
What is Pine Sol?
Pine-Sol is a brand of household cleaning products that is known for its distinctive pine scent. It was originally created in 1929 and is currently owned by The Clorox Company. Pine-Sol products are designed for general household cleaning and are commonly used on floors, countertops, and other hard surfaces.
Pine-Sol is available in various formulations, including concentrated solutions and ready-to-use sprays, each with specific instructions for usage. The product is typically mixed with water or applied directly to surfaces, depending on the specific application and the desired cleaning strength.
Is Pine Sol safe to use?
Pine-Sol is generally considered safe for its intended use. Although, it’s important to keep in mind that the product can cause irreversible eye damage and skin irritations. It can also be absorbed through the skin. Please note the following considerations:
Follow the Proper Usage Instructions: It is essential to follow the instructions on the product label and use Pine-Sol as directed. This includes diluting the product appropriately, using it in well-ventilated areas, and avoiding direct contact with the skin, eyes, or ingestion.
Sensitivities and Allergies: Some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients in Pine-Sol or cleaning products in general. It’s advisable to test the product in a small inconspicuous area before widespread use and discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.
Children and Pets: As with any cleaning product, it’s important to keep Pine-Sol and other cleaning products out of reach of children and pets. Store them in a secure place to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure.
Compatibility with Surfaces: While Pine-Sol is generally safe for use on a variety of surfaces, it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions or perform a spot test to ensure compatibility and prevent any potential damage.
What is Pine Sol used for?
Pine Sol kills mold, bacteria and viruses, while also removing dirt, grime and grease from a wide variety of surface areas. There are two main types of Pine Sol products – Original and the Scented varieties. See the table below to see which type you need.
The information displayed in the table below comes from the official Pine Sol website.
| Surface Type | Original Pine Sol | Pine Sol Scented Cleaners |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Yes | Yes |
| Aluminum | No | Yes |
| Tile Grout | Yes | No |
| Carpets | Yes | No |
| Cement | Yes | No |
| Ceramic Tiles | Yes | Yes |
| Copper | No | Yes |
| Corian | Yes | No |
| Enamel | Yes | Yes |
| Formica | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Granite (sealed and unsealed) | Yes | Yes |
| Laminated Wood | No | Yes |
| Linoleum | Yes | Yes |
| Marble (sealed and unsealed) | No | Yes |
| Mirror | Yes | No |
| Plastic | Yes | No |
| Porcelain Tiles | Yes | No |
| Quarry Tiles | Yes | No |
| Slate | Yes | No |
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Textiles (Cotton, Denim, Polyester) | Yes | No |
| Vinyl Tiles | Yes | Yes |
| Wood (sealed/painted/finished) | Yes | Yes |
How to clean with Pine Sol
As mentioned, Pine Sol is an excellent mold killer, disinfectant and tough stain remover. Here we will show you how to kill mold with Pine Sol on hard surface areas and carpets. Just remember to wear gloves and to work in a well-ventilated area.
How to kill mold from hard surface areas
Step 1: Mix 2 teaspoons of Pine Sol and 1 cup of water into a spray bottle.
Step 2: Soak the moldy area with the solution and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Soak the moldy area again and scrub the mold off with a brush.
Step 4: Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Step 5: Repeat if necessary.
How to kill mold on carpets
Step 1: Mix 2 teaspoons of Pine Sol and 1 cup of water into a spray bottle.
Step 2: Soak the moldy area with the solution and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Soak the moldy area again and scrub the mold off with a brush.
Step 4: Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
What is in Pine Sol?
Here we have listed the ingredients found in the Original and Lemon Scented Pine Sol. The list of ingredients between the different Pine Sol products may vary slightly. If you would like to know what is in a different Pine Sol product then visit smartlabel.org.
Ingredients found in Original Pine Sol
| Ingredient | What Does It Do? | Is It Toxic Or Safe? |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Water serves as a solvent and acts as a diluent to reduce the concentration of active ingredients, making them safer and more effective for use. | Safe |
| Xanthan Gum | A natural polysaccharide used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. However, it is not typically used in cleaning products. Its main function is as a thickening agent, stabilizer, or emulsifier in food and personal care formulations. | Safe |
| Propylheptyl Ether | Helps dissolve and remove various types of dirt, grease, and stains from surfaces. | Low Toxicity |
| Alcohol Ethoxylates | Breaks down and disperse dirt, grease, and other substances, making them easier to remove from surfaces. | Low Toxicity – excessive exposure to concentrated forms of Alcohol Ethoxylates can cause irritation or sensitization of the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. |
| Glycolic Acid | A strong acid that dissolves and removes mineral deposits, scale, rust, soap scum, and other tough stains from various surfaces. It also serves as a pH adjuster in cleaning products. | Low Toxicity – can be potentially hazardous at high concentrations or if mishandled. |
| Sodium Secondary C13-18 Alkyl Sulfonate | Breaks down and emulsifies oils, grease, and other substances. It’s also a foaming agent and allows water to spread more evenly and penetrate soil particles, enabling effective cleaning and rinsing. | Low Toxicity |
| Caramel | A food coloring agent commonly used to provide a brown or caramel color to products. | Low Toxicity |
| Sodium Sulfate | Increases the volume or weight of a product without significantly affecting its cleaning performance. | Low Toxicity – excessive ingestion or prolonged exposure to concentrated forms of Sodium Sulfate may cause irritation or adverse effects. |
| Methoxyacetic Acid | A solvent in cleaning products that dissolves and removes certain types of stains, residues, or contaminants from surfaces. | Toxic – can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Prolonged or excessive exposure can lead to more severe health effects. |
| Formic Acid | It helps to optimize the cleaning performance and stability of the product. | Toxic – can be corrosive to human tissues. It can cause severe irritation and burns upon direct contact with the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. Inhalation or ingestion of concentrated formic acid can lead to more severe health effects. |
Ingredients found in Lemon Scented Pine Sol
| Ingredient | What Does It Do? | Is It Toxic Or Safe? |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Water serves as a solvent and acts as a diluent to reduce the concentration of active ingredients, making them safer and more effective for use. | Safe |
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate | Enhances the cleaning ability of detergents by lifting soils and suspending them in the cleaning solution. Also acts as a foaming agent. | Safe – but can cause individual sensitivities or allergies in some people, leading to adverse reactions. |
| Hydroxyethylcellulose | Functions as a thickening agent and modifies the flow characteristics of cleaning products, providing better control over their application and spreading. | Safe – but individuals with known sensitivities or allergies to cellulose-derived compounds may experience allergic reactions. |
| Propylheptyl Ether | Helps dissolve and remove various types of dirt, grease, and stains from surfaces. | Low Toxicity |
| Alcohol Ethoxylates | Breaks down and disperse dirt, grease, and other substances, making them easier to remove from surfaces. | Low Toxicity – excessive exposure to concentrated forms of Alcohol Ethoxylates can cause irritation or sensitization of the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. |
| Sodium Carbonate | Enhances the cleaning power of detergents, while also acting as a water softener and PH adjuster. | Low Toxicity – can cause eye and skin irritation. |
| Solvent Green 7 | A colorant that creates a green hue. | Low Toxicity |
| Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore | A colorant that creates a yellow hue. | Low Toxicity |
| Fragrances | Mixtures of fragrant essential oils, aroma compounds, fixatives and solvents. | Low Toxicity |
Conclusion
Pine Sol does kill mold and is relatively safe to use if used as intended with the proper safety precautions in place.
Further reading
Does hydrogen peroxide kill mold?